July 1st “Canada Day” has been recognised to a small degree on QM2, with a couple of  appropriately themed events.  However, I do have to think about packing for switching staterooms the day after tomorrow. We arrive around 06.30 hrs at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.  I’m not sure that I will watch as we sail by the Statue of Liberty.  Around 5am is far too early for me as ever, and there will be plenty of opportunities to photograph this 19th century gift from France either this weekend or in a week’s time.

I’m ashamed to say that I have done little today apart from not doing very well in the trivia quiz this morning. I did, however, get engaged in conversation with three couples at different times of the day, all feeling relieved at returning home after various exhausting vacations in Europe.  One couple I joined at afternoon tea were on their way back to Sydney, this being their third of three Cunard cruises during their vacation, two in Europe involving intensive itineraries, ideal on paper, but tiring in practice.  They welcomed the six full sea days, before returning home via Singapore.  My inclination for a fourth journey to Australia was and remains somewhat hightened.  There’s a heritage railway in S.A. that sounds interesting. 

I have received my instructions for when this crossing finishes and the “Sail4th250” voyage begins.  QM2 will take its place in a huge parade of historic tall ships, the largest such gathering ever, anywhere, and I’m sure, also, military craft.  I’m struggling to find the programme of events at this unique occasion.  Thunderstorms and swealtering temperatures are forecast for the big day. When the fireworks die down, we set sail for Newport, Rhode Island.  So, even now, I have to think about packing. This I will almost complete tomorrow, ready for my luggage to be transferred to an identical cabin towards the front, still on Deck 6, the next day.  There’s no more moving after that, or there shouldn’t be. 

Last night, I enjoyed dinner in the main restaurant. However, tonight, the thought of donning my formal attire to sit alone in the Britannia Restaurant did not appeal, and nor did the prospect of the effects of over-eating which still can impact on my sleep patterns.  The Kings Court has an anazing choice of self-service cuisine, some of it prepared to order.  Usually, one can find a bay-window seat, affording magnificent panoramic sea and sky views. 

I have a favourite Queen Mary 2 “Show Night,” which I first came across during the 2018 World Voyage – Rhythm of the Night.  The Royal Court Theatre Company sing and dance their way through a 45 minute mix of samba, salsa, tango and paso doble, against an amazing ever changing and exciting animated video backdrop which I wish I was allowed to video.  I was a little worried that this was billed tonight as a new concert.  Thankfully, little had changed, and I detected no change in the soundtrack to which eleven (if I counted correctly) sang, danced and did their acrobatic thing.  This is one show I can never tire of, and I was glad to see it again tonight.

Tomorrow is the last full day of this westbound crossing, not the last day of my journey.  It seems that there is going to be plenty to see on July 3rd in Brooklyn as well as on Independence Day itself.  This is not a bad way to spend retirement!

Many thanks for reading,

David 23.28 hrs, ship’s time, my room. 1/7/26.